B – Branding: Why It Matters Within The Genealogy Community

When people hear the word branding, they often think of logos, color palettes, or fancy business cards. But branding is so much deeper than that—it’s the essence of who you are and how you show up in the world, especially online.

And guess what? Branding isn’t just for businesses or societies. It’s for you—the family historian, the researcher, the storyteller.

So… What Is Branding, Really?

Branding is the feeling people get when they come across your name, your content, or your work. It's made up of:

• Your values – What matters to you?

• Your voice – How do you talk? Casual and curious? Thoughtful and professional?

• Your visuals – Colors, fonts, photos, and graphics that reflect your personality or mission.

• Your consistency – How you show up regularly and what people come to expect from you.

In short, your brand is your story, told over time, through everything you do.

Why Branding Matters in Genealogy

Whether you're a solo family historian or a well-established society, branding helps you:

• Stand out in a sea of content

• Build trust and recognition with your community

• Attract the right people—research collaborators, clients, members, or just kindred spirits and cousins

Your brand makes people feel like they know you—even before you ever speak to them. And in a community built on connection, that’s a superpower.

How to Discover or Define Your Brand

If you’re not sure what your brand is, no worries—it’s already there. You just need to notice it and shape it with intention. Here’s how:

1. Start with your why. Ask yourself: Why am I doing this work? What lights me up?

2. Pay attention to what people say about you. What words or phrases do others use when describing your work? That’s your brand peeking through.

3. Choose your pillars. What topics do you always come back to? Research tips? Ancestor stories? Education? Collaboration? These are your brand pillars.

4. Pick visuals that reflect you. Choose colors, fonts, and images that feel like you. They don’t have to be trendy—just true.

5. Show up consistently. You don’t have to post every day, but when you do, let your voice, values, and visuals come through clearly.

What About Trends?

Trends are fun—and yes, you can use them without losing your identity. The key is to put your own spin on them. If there’s a trending audio or challenge, think about how it connects to your brand. How would you interpret it through your research or society’s mission?

Trends become powerful when they reflect you instead of replacing you.

Thank You to My Branding Guides

I want to take a second to thank the people who helped me define and refine my brand. From encouraging me to embrace the "Simple Living Genealogist" vibe, to reminding me to stay grounded in storytelling and connection—you’ve all helped me grow into a brand that truly feels like home.

If you're reading this and you’ve ever given me feedback, liked a post, or told me you see the heart in my work—thank you.

🔍 Your Turn: Define Your Brand

Whether you're running a genealogy society or sharing ancestor stories on Facebook or Instagram, your brand matters.

Think about how you want people to feel when they see your work. Start shaping it—one post, one image, one message at a time.

Have you thought about your brand? Who helped shape it for you?